Quidditch Round 2

Yippee, another round of Quidditch, means that we will be hunting the snitch soon, which is so much fun. Here's my shots at goal... 1. On which day did the Order of the Phoenix come to get Harry? a. Tuesday b. Sunday c. Saturday d. The day of his 17th birthday 2. During all this chaos with voldemort and the Death Eaters, people still had lives to live and Ron's oldest brother, Bill decided to marry Fleur Delacour? Who were the uninvited guests at Bill and Fleur's wedding? a. Voldemort b. Death Eaters c. Scrimgeour d. Grindewald 3. Voldemort had seven Horcruxes hidden in different places. Six of them were hidden at the Gaunt shack, Hogwarts, a cave, inside Harry, inside his snake, Nagini and Tom Riddles Diary. Did Voldemort hide the last Horcrux inside the Malfoy's vault at Gringotts? a. Yes b. No 4. Why did the Dumbledore's move to Godric's Hollow? a. The reason is unknown b. They were tired of their old home. c. The father went to Azkaban d. It was a better place for their children to grow up 5. Harry and Hermione read a part of "Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore," written by Rita Skeeter. Then they met Dumbledore's brother Abeforth and he told them the same story, just with a few details changed. Which of the following did Aberforth and Rita Skeeter agree on about Dumbdore's past? a. Why the Dumbledore family moved to Godric's Hollow b. That Dumbledore was friends with Grindelwald for a while. c. Why nobody outside the family noticed Ariana much. d. The reason for Dumbledore's father's imprisonment in Azkaban. 6. When Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow, they visit the graveyard to see Harry's parent's graves. Harry walks by a tombstone that we later learn belong to tone of "The Three Broother'. The brother buried there once owned what? a. The ressrection stone b. The cloak c. The wand d. The sword 7. The Trio finds out that Luna had been kidnapped by the Death Eaters , and that they won't give her back until they got Harry Potter. Why did they kidnap Luna? a. Her father sided with Harry and Dumbledore b. They though he would come to her rescue c. She was a muggleborn d. Her father failed as a Death Eater 8. After Voldemort killed Snape, he left the room and Harry came out from under the cloak. Snape gave Harry some of his memories all the way from when he was a child to just months before. Harry dived into the Pensieve and which of the following did he not see? a. Dumbldore telling Snape that at some point Snape had to kill him. b. Snape telling Lily she was a witch c. Snape and Lily having fun in a potions class d. Snape talking to Dumbledore on a hilltop 9. On the search of the Lost Diadem, Harry finally gets to takl to the Gray Lady. Who was the Gray Lady when she was alive? a. She didn't remember because she had been dead for so long. b. Rowena Ravenclaw. c. Helena Ravenclaw. d. A girl who was put in ravenclaw 800 years previously 10. Which of these is not one of Harry or Ron's children? a. Rose b. Hugo c. James d. Victoria Picture Scavenger Hunt: Lily Ron Snape Luna Godric's Hollow Time to get some mental preparation done for the snitch hunt now, must dash...!!!

HLBOES Good to Go!

I'm very excited to tell you that my package for Luna Lovegood is ready to go. It will have to wait until Monday now though as the Post Office is closed from Saturday lunch over here! But to whet her appetite, here is a teaser photo of the wrapped contents... And now, I really must get on with finishing the package for my HSKS spoilee, who I am seeing next week in Edinburgh! Must dash...!!!

Gryffindor Arithmancy Assignment

It would seem that some of our Gryffindor students this term have been struggling with their Arithmancy assignment. It takes me back to the days when I grappled with calculus and algebra, and was so utterly dismayed when I discovered my answer was wrong. I actually love mathematical challenges, so it always a surprise to me when I come across people who don't, and especially witches who knit! One of the things that I find so satisfying about knitting is how much it relies on numbers - how many to cast on, how many stitches in the pattern way, how many rows, how many yards of yarn you need, the gauge, the needle size... This week I have had a great time knitting a pair of socks for my little wizard, to finish off the yarn I used in my own Belle Epoque socks. Not knowing how far the yarn would go, I went for knitting 2 at a time toe-up socks. This time I experimented with gusset increases to create extra room around the ankle/heel given the last pair I knitted were a little tight with just a short row heel. I had to work out how to decrease again from the bottom of the heel up to the leg whilst creating an appropriate heel shape. I loved the stitch pattern though, a simple K3P2 rib, with every sixth row being YO/SL1/K2TOG/PSSO/YO/P2, which creates a wonderful crocodile skin like effect. Here are the finished socks modelled by my very appreciative little wizard... And now I am itching to do some more knitting, must dash...!!!

HLBOES Summer SPEW project

I've just seen that in HLBOES we are contributing two-tone strips to an Afghan for a summer SPEW project. I've just checked my stash and found some yarn which I think is suitable - it came from Mr Wychwood's mother, who is sadly now too riddled with arthritis to knit any more. The pattern calls for worsted weight, whereas this is double knitting, but I think I can hit gauge by knitting with 2 strands at once. I will have to swatch (which I hate doing, it just feels like a wasted piece of knitting!) to make sure I am right about this, must dash...!!!

HSKS Gryffindor Ancient Runes Assignment

Well, at least that is what I think it is! This week we have been set the task of interpreting this piece of historic text: CVMMT GJJFZY VMJPIY; OCZMZ RVN BDIIT MPIIDIB OJRVMY CDH; NCZ CVY V CVMY, WGVUDIB GJJF DI CZM AVXZ VN NCZ OCMZR CZM VMHN VMJPIY CDH. VIY RDOCJPO OCDIFDIB, RDOCJPO KGVIIDIB DO, RDOCJPO RJMMTDIB VWJPO OCZ AVXO OCVO ADAOT KZJKGZ RZMZ RVOXCDIB, CVMMT FDNNZY CZM. Here's a picture clue to the result I got... And here is the actual text: HARRY LOOKED AROUND; THERE WAS GINNY RUNNING TOWARD HIM; SHE HAD A HARD BLAZING LOOK IN HER FACE AS SHE THREW HER ARMS AROUND HIM. AND WITHOUT THINKING, WITHOUT PLANNING IT, WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT THE FACT THAT FIFTY PEOPLE WERE WATCHING, HARRY KISSED HER. I started by guessing which words were "the", and using those letters I next guessed at "there" which also gave me "her", which made me think I was definitely on the right track and led me to conclude that the first word could be "Harry". The rest just flowed from then on, and was pretty much just a filling in exercise. I loved it, and it is probably the quickest I have ever done a cypher! On the knitting front I am almost finished with the bag for my spoilee, all that is left to do is lining it and attaching the handle! And so without further ado I shall get started on it again, must dash...!!!

Gryffindor History of Magic Assignment

What a wonderful time I had last weekend on the visit to Hogsmeade. I was there to chaperone the students of course who were there to let their hair down, having had an exciting week of inter-house Quidditch. Unknown to the Gryffindor students they were to be tested on their History of Magic knowledge with a surprise assignment upon their return in which they had to explain the historical significance of one of the places they had visited in Hogsmeade. Quite an easy challenge really, given that nearly everywhere in Hogsmeade has historical significance following the Voldemorte wars, and Harry Potter's many adventures there. For me, the most significant place is the Hog's Head, it being the place where Dumbledore's Army was founded. The group of student friends who joined together in defiance of Voldemort in my opinion was just as important in the war against his minions as the Order of the Phoenix, the secret fellowship of adult wizards and witches who pulled together in the struggle against Voldemort's evil campaign. But much less known is that this place was also a regular haunt of myself and Mr Wychwood, who managed many secret meetings there during our years of courtship whilst attending Hogwarts. It was a young love that has stood the test of time, and although he has many faults, he will always be the centre of my life, along with the wonderful children who are the fruit of our love for each other. So the trip to Hogsmeade was for me another delightful trip down memory lane! Well, I really had better get on with getting all my housework done before this weekend's outings. I shall be taking our little wizard and witch to the cinema tomorrow to see Inkheart, and on Sunday we shall be joining the Wigworthy's for some cycling fun now that all our little ones have mastered muggle bicycles - what fun they will have when they graduate to brooms! Must dash...!!!

HLBOES DADA assignment

Our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Finch-Fletchley (try saying that quickly!) has set some tough homework for this week, I hope I get a good score for my house! Who is the author of the books prescribed for Defence against the Dark Arts? a. Newt Scamander b. Adalbert Waffling c. Bathilda Bagshot d. Quentin Trimble When conjuring a Patronus, the user is supposed to produce what type of thought? a. Happy b. Powerful c. Sad d. Funny Who was the teacher of Defence against the Dark Arts in Tom Riddle’s time? a. Albus Dumbledore b. Armando Dippet c. Galatea Merrythought d. Phineas Nigellus Black Which Defence against the Dark Arts teacher is an accomplished Occlumens? a. Alastor Moody b. Dolores Umbridge c. Severus Snape d. Remus Lupin Which of these spells is the Full Body-bind Curse? a. Impedimenta b. Petrificus Totalus c. Incarcerous d. Impervious Lord Voldemort used Avada Kedavra on Harry Potter in the Little Hangleton graveyard. But another spell used by Harry at the same time caused the Priori Incantatem effect. Which spell did Harry use? a. Accio b. Expelliarmus c. Levicorpus d. Crucio Which of the following can the Unforgivable Curse not do? a. Kill someone b. Cause terrible pain c. Make parts of the body fall off d. Become controlled by someone Which kind of people are known to use Unforgivable Curses very commonly? a. Members of the Order of the Phoenix b. Death Eaters c. Dementors d. Dumbledore’s Army One of the Horcruxes was a ring. Whom did the ring belong to? a. Albus Dumbledore b. Marvolo Gaunt c. Salazar Slytherin d. Godric Gryffindor The creation of a Horcrux requires: a. Injuring someone b. Stealing c. Killing someone d. Using Cruciatus Curse on someone Extra Credit: Name the 3 Unforgiveable Curses. Describe how to cast each and the effects of each curse. Why are they unforgiveable and what will happen to the person who cast them? Imperius Curse - this is cast by pointing a wand at the victim and incanting "Imperio". The caster then has total control over the actions of the victim. Cruciatius Curse - this is cast by pointing a wand at the victim and incanting "Crucio". The curse causes almost unbearable pain for the victim. Killing Curse - this is cast by pointing a wand at the victim and incanting "Avada Kedavra". The curse results in a flash of blinging green light and a rushing sound, and the instant death of the victim. These curses are unforgiveable because of their dreadful effects, and because they take great magical power to resist, indeed there is no known counter-curse for the killing curse. The use of any one of these 3 unforgivable curses can result in life-long imprisonment in Azkaban. And now my DADA assignment is done, I really had better get out my text-books to swot up for my next assignment in History of Magic, must dash...!!!

Tag

I was tagged by Ophelia Ballycastle with this... 1. Go to your pictures on your computer 2. Open the 6th folder 3. Choose the 6th picture 4. Show the picture on your blog and write something about it. 5. Invite 6 new people to this challenge. 6. Link to them and let them know they have been tagged. So here is the picture: It is my little witch, taken 2 years ago now by Mr Wychwood. She was in our bedroom with our little wizard, and they were up to mischief at my dressing table. At this stage all she had done was spray perfume, but they were discovered later looking rather fetching in my make-up and clothes! I'm going to tag my dear sister Emma Wigworthy, our other English Gryffindor student Thalia Tinkwych, our new seeker Lydia Figg, my spoiler from last term Kaae, my spoiler this term Megaera Black, my first ever spoiler Queen Frysia. Well, that's it for this post, have to get the kids tea ready now, must dash...!!!

HLBOES Hat

My big news this week is that I have finished making the hat for my spoilee Luna Lovegood in the HLBOES swap. It has been quite an adventure, as I started out making one hat, and had knit approx 6 inches when I dedided to frog the whole thing, I just didn't like the way it was turning out. So I switched to a totally different pattern, and am so glad I did, I love the end result! However, I cannot spoil the surprise by sharing it here with you until after Luna has received her package. But here as a little teaser is a picture of the leftover hufflepuff yarns I used... And now I have to get cracking with the rest of her package, must dash...!!!

HSKS7 Quidditch Round 1

Brooms at the ready! 1. What momentous event was the reason that the members of the Order of the Phoenix felt it necessary to move Harry out of the Dursley’s house? a. The start of the new school year b. The Dursleys kicking him out c. Voldemort’s escape from Azkaban d. Harry’s upcoming birthday 2. Who revealed the actual date of Harry’s transfer to Voldemort, despite the misinformation the Order had been spreading around that the move would occur on the eve of his actual birthday? a. Mundungus b. Snape c. Yaxley d. Shacklebolt 3. With the use of Polyjuice Potion (and to confuse any possible attack by Death Eaters), six member of the Order were disguised as Harry and escorted out of Privet Drive, along with the real Harry. Which member of the order did not survive that night? a. Mad-Eye Moody b. Nymp0hadora Tonks c. Hagrid d. George Weasley 4. Who informed Harry, Ron and Hermione of the bequests left to them in Dumbledore’s will? a. Kingley Shaclebolt b. Minerva McGonalgall c. Arthur Weasley d. Rufus Scimgeour 5. During the wedding celebration for Bill and Fleur, Kingley Shacklebolt sent a Patronus to tell the guests that the Ministry had fallen, Scrimgeour (the Minister) was dead and the wedding celebration was about to be attacked by Death Eaters. What form did the Patronus take? a. A lynx b. An otter c. A doe d. A stag 6. Escaping from the wedding to London, our three friends found themselves confronted by a pair of Death Eaters, disguised as workmen. This close brush impressed on them the need to find someplace to hide. Where did they decide to go? a. The Leaky Cauldron b. Sirius Black’s house c. The Dursley’s house d. Ron’s Auntie Muriel’s house 7. Kreacher’s animosity towards Harry, Ron and especially Hermione (a Mudblood) was well documented in book five, “The Order of the Phoenix.” His initial interaction with them showed that his attitude had not changed. How did they win him over? a. By giving him clothes and his freedom b. They didn’t win him over! c. By giving him something to eat d. By giving him Regulus Black’s old locket 8. Who did they eventually find was in possession of the locket/Horcrux? a. Severus Snape b. Lucius Malfoy c. Lord Voldemort d. Dolores Umbridge 9. What did Harry find embedded in the door of Umbrdige’s office? a. Moody’s magical eye b. Nymphadora’s purple hair c. Hedwig’s head d. George Weasley’s ear 10. After retrieving the Horcrux, they tried to return to their safe place but they were pursued (actually Yaxley tagged along when they disapparated). This meant that the Death Eaters knew their hiding place and they had to go somewhere else. Where did Hermione take them? a. To Godric’s Hollow b. To the Forbidden Forest c. Back to the Burrow d. To the site of the Quidditch World Cup Picture Scavenger Hunt The pictures must be posted on your blog or at least linked to from your blog. Make sure that the links work or you will not get credit. Mad-Eye Moody Nymphadora Tonks George Weasley The Dursley's House Kreacher And now to find the snitch, must dash...!!!

HLBOES Charms Assignment

In the Hogwarts Little Bit of Everything Swap we have been practicing "vanishing" charms, in other words disappearing unfinished projects! The homework assignment spurred me on to finish knitting the socks I has been knitting for my little witch. Here is the stage they were at when the homework was set: And here is a photo of the finished socks modelled by my little witch, who absolutely adores them: Of course, I have other unfinished projects to be getting on with, not least of which is the hat for my partner in the swap, so must dash...!!!

Gryffindor Muggle Studies Assignment

Here is my offering of words (4 letters or more) made from "Muggle Studies", not a patch on Thalia's extensive list! I stopped at 100 when I was beginning to struggle. However, I am pretty chuffed with my longest word being "suggested" with 9 letters! 1. Deems 2. Diets – Muggle women are constantly doing this. 3. Digests 4. Digs 5. Dime 6. Dims 7. Duel – ancient practice of settling a score 8. Dues 9. Dust 10. Duties 11. Elite 12. Gilt 13. Gist 14. Glee 15. Glides 16. Glued 17. Glues 18. Glum 19. Gluts 20. Guests 21. Guides – organisation that helps muggle girls to “make a difference” 22. Guilt 23. Guises 24. Gums 25. Gusts 26. Legged 27. Legs 28. Less 29. Lest 30. Lied 31. Lies 32. Limes – the fruit eaten by British muggle sailors to avoid scurvy 33. Listed 34. Lists 35. Lugs 36. Lusted 37. Lusts 38. Lutes 39. Meets 40. Melds 41. Melted 42. Midges – pests, especially to muggles who enjoy camping holidays 43. Midgets – a term for small muggles now deemed inappropriate 44. Miles 45. Misled 46. Miss 47. Missed 48. Misses 49. Misted 50. Mists 51. Mites 52. Mugged – assaulted and robbed 53. Mugs 54. Mules – a muggle animal being a horse/donkey cross-breed 55. Mused 56. Muted 57. Mutes 58. Seeds 59. Sidles 60. Sited 61. Sites 62. Sits 63. Sledges – British muggles use these for sledding 64. Sleds 65. Slides – muggle girls wear these in their hair 66. Slims 67. Slits 68. Sludge 69. Slued 70. Slugged – hit on the face 71. Slugs 72. Sluts 73. Smelted – when metal has been melted to be transformed into an object 74. Smelts 75. Smiled 76. Smiles 77. Smites 78. Smudges 79. Smuggled 80. Smuggles – secretly imports an item to avoid tax or because it is illegal 81. Smut 82. Sties 83. Stiles 84. Stimulus 85. Stud 86. Studies 87. Studs 88. Suggested 89. Suited 90. Suites 91. Teems 92. Tees – used by muggles in a most peculiar pastime called “golf” 93. Tides 94. Ties 95. Tiled 96. Timed 97. Timeless 98. Times 99. Tugs 100. Tums – baby talk meaning “stomache” I hope everyone enjoyed this as much as I did! More homework to do now though for HLBOES, must dash...!!!

Gryfferin Quiz - Spoiler Helplist!

Here's a quiz that we Gryffindors have shamelessly plagiarised from Slytherin... What are your three most favorite colors? Blue, Purple, Green. What are you three least favorite colors? Yellow, Salmon, Orange. Your favourite candy? Blackcurrant liquorice. Who is your favorite Weasley? Molly. Do you knit, crochet, or both? Both, but mostly knit. What type of kit did you ask for? Bag kit. Acrylic? Has its uses, my daughter hates "itchy" wool! Who is the Gryffindor Head Girl? Millicent Brocklehurst. Name four "extras" you would love to receive in your kit. Folding scissors, Knitpicks view sizer, Shrinkydinks, Display file for patterns. What are your three most favorite scents? Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Lime. Do you prefer salty or sweet snacks? Sweet. Which Gryffindor and Slytherin students are sisters in real life? My twin Emma Wigworthy and I! Here we are in HSKS5 attire... Do you really need more stitch markers? No! But I would love some like these! DPNs, circular, or straight? Circulars for magic loop 2 at a time socks of course! Favorite yarn? Knitpicks essential sock yarn, it is lovely to knit up. Dream yarn? Knitpicks Shimmer Hand-Dyed Lace Yarn in Stained Glass Colourway. Favorite HP Movie? Goblet of Fire. Favorite HP character? Hermione. What is your favorite pattern? Currently it is the house bookscarves by Emma. I also like the fairisle pouch bags by Rosemary Waits, and would love to adapt it to make a round drawstring pouch to hold small projects like the bookscarves. Michief managed, and now I really must get to bed. It is past witching hour, and I have to be up in the morning for my little witches birthday party at a wonderful local muggle play centre. Must dash...!!!

Arithmancy

I have been set the task of writing an opinion essay on the importance of arithmancy to students at Hogwarts. Well, clearly the Professors believe this to be vital, because I also had to make a project in the Knitting & Crochet House Cup using my own arithmancy numbers. As an added twist, I was meant to use colours with the corresponding numbers. Having learned how to make a flat circle during the making up of my golden snitch, I applied the technique to this project. My character number is 5 and so I crocheted 5 rounds in cerise, finishing with 5 stitches in each repeat. My heart number is 8 and so I continued in cornflower to the 8th round, which has 8 stitches in each repeat. My social number is 6, and so I finished with a single round in cyan for the 6 pattern repeats that rule throughout the project. The finished item is a mini-coaster, suitable for a little girls teaset. My little witch will use it during her divination practice (she is of an age that most fervently believes in the tooth fairy, Father Christmas, and under-bed monsters!) And what do these numbers say about me? Absolute twaddle! Let's face it, this is just a ruse to get the students at Hogwarts interested in numbers and their use in magic. I don't believe any of the mumbo jumbo that they are supposed to mean, and my beloved parents would be horrified to think that I was being asked to read any significance into the name they gave me, as they have always taught me that I can shape my own life through the grace of God, that I am responsible for the attitudes and beliefs I hold about myself, and not some pre-destined plan that I have no control over. So, Professors, I say "poop", lets use numbers much more creatively than this. Let us instead use them to count the blessings that we have in life, to tally the achievements that we hold most dear, and to measure the worth of our contribution to this wonderfulfully magical world. And so, essay complete, I must now clean up the tea leaves that my little witch has read great import from, she has much to learn! Must dash...!!!

Hogwarts Happenings

It's been a busy old week for me, filled with gifts and fun. First off I received a simply gorgeous hand-made set of house book-marks from Pren, who felt guilty about sending me a Hufflepuff one in our tree ornaments trade given that is not my house - how silly of her, it made a great gift for my beloved sister Emma Wigworthy. And how lucky for me that she felt this way - I now have these wonderful items to decorate my Harry Potter history collection with... I also got busy knitting up some more hats for disadvantaged elves, who Emma was co-ordinating a collection of wearables for. Here are the ones I made for her most recent distribution... And then for Flying homework I had to make a snitch, with some "individual flare", so I made this tape measure cover, and adapted the wings from the patterns so that they attached to give the impression of a letter "W" for Wychwood! The next term in Hogwarts courtesy of HSKS7 starts soon (see the link on my sidebar) and I have been invited to be a Gryffindor Prefect! But right now, Mr Wychwood has reminded me it is my night to visit the gym - must dash...!!!

HLBOES Ghost Quiz

Well, we've been set an assignment to identify how many ghosts are resident at Hogwarts. This is a tough assignment, I mean I can name several, but what counts as ghosts? Do all the past heads in the pictures in Dumbledore's office count along with the other picture residents throughout the rest of the school? And what about Tom Riddle, who appeared sort of as a ghost when Ginny got caught up in his diary? There is definitely reference to 20 ghosts streaming into the Great Hall in the Philosopher's Stone, but I think that is probably just scratching the surface. So my answer to this assignment is going to be "it depends upon your premise"! But to show willing, here are the names of the 7 resident ghosts I know of for certain: Nearly Headless Nick; Peeves; The Bloody Baron; The Grey Lady; The Fat Friar; Moaning Myrtle; and Professor Bins. And now Witching Hour is here, must dash...!!!

Hogwarts Little Bit of Everything Swap

I have enrolled in the HLBOES where I have been sorted into Ravenclaw. Term has now started, and I have been assigned a spoiler and a spoilee. My spoiler is known as snookerum in Ravelry, but in the wizarding world is actually Isabella Prince, and of course is a Slytherin student. My spoilee is eXtremeSpinning in Ravelry, and in the wizarding world is the famous Luna Lovegood, an alumni of great note. She is now a mother of 2 girls, and uses her "free" time to spin fibers into wonderful yarns. I have the pleasure of making her a hat this term, and so will be putting on my thinking cap to come up with a quirky item of millinery for her! So, I'm off to browse hat patterns in Ravelry, must dash...!!!

Socks

I joined in the HSKS Hufflepuff sock-along which is still ongoing. Initially I committed myself to finishing the socks I had cast on for my dear sister Emma Wigworthy, which were to be her Christmas present. Happily I finished them on Christmas Eve and whisked them off to my friend Father Christmas in time for his overnight deliveries. Emma was delighted with the socks, and wore them for several days afterwards, indeed I believe she only took them off because her children began to complain about the whiff! Here is a picture of Emma's shapely feet modelling them... As always happens, I had a little left over yarn from the knit, which I was loathe to trash given it is simply lovely yarn which was a gift from a fellow participant in HSKS6, known on Ravelry as carmafrancie. She had sent it to me as a RAOK (random act of kindness), and so I wanted to do it full justice. What better then than to make some more socks for my little wizard? I set to on some magic loop 2 at a time toe up socks, setting off with Judy's magic cast on as the base stitches, and using a short row wrapped stitch heel. I did it this way to ensure that I would use all the wool left without having one sock longer than the other! I also used a stitch pattern from a book of dolls clothing knits that I have had for at least 25 years! Anyway, my little wizard loves them, and has worn them continuously for the past 5 days! Happily he returns to school tomorrow and so we have chance to wash them given he must wear grey socks then! Here is a picture of him in them taken yesterday - I had to pull off some of the pilling to get it as close to new as possible!... Still more news to post about, must dash...!!!

Potter Ornaments Swap

I did a personal swap with Pren Wilcox via Ravelry whereby I knitted and sent her a set of the Hogwarts Mini House Sock tree ornaments, and she made and sent me some simply gorgeous Golden Snitch ornaments. Pren has made a wonderful post about it, with great pictures so please take a look at her blog. Here's a picture of one of the snitches hanging on my tree... Thanks Pren, I love the snitches, and will likewise think of you every year when I hang them on my tree! Lots more news to post about, so must dash...!!!

HSKS6 Best Kit Award!

Emma rang me at work today to direct me to the HSKS6 site for news on the Best Kit awards. Imagine my amazement when I saw a picture of the kit I had sent! I was utterly flabbergasted, and totally thrilled! It is a great honour, so thank you to everybody who voted for my kit. Bevin sent her owl to me with a message containing all the lovely things the Hogwarts students had said about my kit. It gave me such a lovely warm glow inside to read them. She also sent a plaque for my blog, which you can see on the sidebar here. It more than makes up for not getting a scroll for finishing my handmade item early - I overshot the deadline by a mile! I had a great time pulling together the kit for Eugene, (Brent in the Muggle world) who did a wonderful blog about it, including a video that I am sure is largely responsible for me winning the award. I will miss our correspondence, which was conducted mostly in verse. He is a very talented poet, and was very gracious about my little ditties! HSKS6 was a wonderful swap, with super participants, we had a blast playing Quidditch and doing homework at Hogwarts together. I had a simply gorgeous kit sent to me by Kaae, the amazingly talented Danish knitting witch. My house (Gryffindor) had a lot of fun with quizzes and cyphers, along with nearly catching the snitch in the 3rd round of Quidditch. And now it is all over until the winter term begins in HSKS7. We are on our Christmas break, for which I have stacks of stuff to do in order to be ready on time, must dash...!!!

Quidditch again!

Woohoo! Another game of Quidditch. Here are my answers to the quiz... 1. Who was Tom Riddle Sr.’s girlfriend before Merope gave him the love potion? a. Eleanor b. Cecilia c. Sally d. Mandy 2. What does Luna say floated into Harry’s ear when he was in the train car that supposedly caused him to lose focus? a. Demiguise b. Jobberknoll c. Wrackspurt d. Runespoor 3. How much do the primary Apparition lessons cost? a. 10 galleons b. 8 galleons c. 15 galleons d. 12 galleons 4. What is Professor Merrythought’s first name? a. Eileen b. Galatea c. Carol d. Jocelyn 5. What Hogwarts club was Eileen Prince captain of? a. Charms Club b. Gobstones Club c. The Slug Club d. Occlumency Club 6. Who is head of the Goblin Liaison office? a. Ambrosius Flume b. Dirk Cresswell c. Ciceron Harkiss d. Barnabas Cuffe 7. Mrs. Weasley offers Fleur a goblin-made tiara for the wedding with Bill. What family member is currently in possession of the tiara? a. Aunt Muriel b. Aunt Ethel c. Aunt Edna d. Aunt Thelma 8. How many points does Snape take from Gryffindor for Harry’s late arrival and muggle attire? a. 30 b. 70 c. 50 d. 90 9. When Profressory Slughorn first meets Hermione, he asks her whether she is related to Hector Dagworth-Granger. What society did Dgworth-Granger found? a. The Most Extraordinary Society of Charms d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Herbology c. The Most Extraordinary Society of the Defense Against the Dark Arts d. The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers 10. Which of these describes Golpalott’s Third Law? a. The antidote for blended poison will be equal to less than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components b. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to less than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents c. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the product of the antidotes for each of the separate compenents d. The antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components And now that is done I am taking my little wizard to the cinema to watch "Igor", I feel he needs some help in avoiding career pitfalls! Must dash...!!!

Awesome HSKS6 Package

After a long hard day at Gringott's, where we have all been doing our best to bolster the flagging Muggle economies around the world, I arrived home to find that a Danish owl had dropped off a huge package for me from Kaae. All of a sudden I felt full of life again, excited by the prospect of what was hidden inside the enormous box. After wolfing down my dinner, I set about opening the amazing package with my wonderful little witch assisting. We both kept letting out exclamations of delight as each item was unpacked, and it seemed to just keep coming! Here is a picture of all the contents displayed on my settee, as you can see pretty much taking up all the room available... And an index of contents... Knitting stuff: Knitpicks Harmony 2.5mm DPN's - for the 2 socks at a time technique Gryffindor magic wands zipped tube Retractable measuring tape - ideal for the snitch cover I intend to make Cherry Tree Hill merino fingering weight yarn in "Moody Blues" Yarn by Kaae to knit the Mr Weasley Tie Stitch-markers galore in my favourite blues - fish, dragonfly, flower Harry Potter Puppet Pals pattern - the kids will love these! Bellatrix sock pattern - ideal for the cherry tree yarn Fawkes sock pattern - my fingers are itching to have a go Eating stuff: Chocolate frogs - filled with caramel Chocolate eggs - already consumed by my little witch and wizard! Blue toads boiled sweets - clearly to dispel my dislike of blue food! Knight bus cookies - look totally scrummy Liquorice wands Hearting stuff: Gryffindor pouch - double knitted and felted, simply gorgeous Gryffindor wizard/witch hat - wonderfully quirky! Gryffindor tree socks - perfect for filling with treats for the children Golden heart bead Golden knitted tree ornament Turkish blue bookmark Here are some close-ups of my favourite items... The Gryffindor haul - pouch bag, witches hat, tree socks. The Yarn haul - Moody Blues and Weasley Tie. The Blue haul - Turkish bookmark and stitchmarkers with lovely boxes. The Cute haul - heart bead, chocolate frog, blue toad, tree ornament. Oh, and she also included the divine little hats for SPEW which I am to pass on to my dear sister Emma Wigworthy who is the Europe co-ordinator. So thank you Kaae for an absolutely amazing package, I love it all, and love you for taking so much care over it, and being so generous with your time and money. And now I have to take it to Emma's for her to drool over, must dash...!!!

Fireworks Night

I have had another wonderful week, culminating with a fabulous firework display at the school my little witch and wizard attend. Before that they took Daddy with them to a belated Halloween celebration where he was the life and soul of the party due to being plied with copious amounts of wine, with most other parents absteining as they were driving, whereas Mr Wychwood and our little dears were travelling via the Floo Network. It was apparently a great party, with the highlights being apple bobbing, and stick the wart on the witches nose (Daddy convinced the children it was my portrait they were sticking it on). And now we are visiting Grandma Wychwood for the weekend. We landed here just half an hour ago, and took the children straight to bed. And now I must make a bedtime drink for myself and Mr Wychwood. Must dash...!!!

Gryffindor House Assignment No.4

Well, here is the homework that was set by our dear prefect, Millicent Brocklehurst, known more familiarly as CentyB... 1. Name your favorite magical creature, and describe why it is your favorite. My favourite magical creature is the Unicorn. I have always been fascinated by this creature which in the muggle world is considered to be mythical. I have from the early days of my marriage to the wonderful Mr Wychwood been blessed by him with lovely unicorn gifts, including some miniatures which my little witch has decided to display in her bedroom. It is the mystery of the unicorn that attracts me so much, they are so beautiful, shy and yet powerful, and simply noble in their bearing. I love the scenes with the unicorns in the film Legend, although it breaks my heart that one is killed for its horn, a parallel with the muggle world in which Rhino's are in danger of extinction because their horns are so prized. Here is a picture which shows how beautiful and mysterious unicorns are... 2. Tell us your favorite charm, spell or curse, and explain why you like it. My favourite spell is Apparition. It is such a time-saving thing to be able to just magically move myself from one place to another, no matter the distance involved. I find it so frustrating in the muggle world taking hours to travel between family, friends, and places of work using trains, planes and automobiles. I confess that I sometimes cheat and use apparition because I am simply too impatient to bother with muggle transport. This of course forces me into using memory erasing charms to prevent my muggle colleagues from twigging that I am using magic to get from one end of the country to the other instantly! 3. Describe your favorite holiday family tradition - which holiday and what makes it special. This has to be Christmas, and the flaming of the Xmas pudding. As a child, my Dad always did this for us, before it was served with Mum's wonderful rum custard. Now we all have Xmas dinner at my dear sister Emma's house, where she and I use the traditional method of heating brandy on a spoon, lighting it and pouring it over the pudding, which is then all aflame. The children love watching the blue flames flicker, and of course rush to turn off the lights for this magical treat. 4. Name your favorite fiber-based (knitted, crocheted, or spun) finished object. I love the socks that I knit using the yarn sent to my by Queen Frysia. They were my first pair using the magic loop technique, and the yarn was simply gorgeous, not only in softness and colour combination, but also because it smells divine. The pattern was a toe-up one, and I finished it off with a lace border and picot edge, based on the one designed by Emma in the Luna's Moonlight socks. In fact I love them so much that I am wearing them as I finish this homework! And now, it is high time I carried on knitting Eugene's bag, must dash...!!!

Halloween Fun

We have just returned from a magical night with many wonderful wizarding families, including the splendid Wigworthy's. It was a party celebrating the wizarding world's main holiday of the year, which is of course Halloween. It was hosted at the local family pub/restaurant, in the attached childrens play gym. Needless to say, our little ones had a fabulous time, and of course were wearing their best dress robes. Here is a picture of my two minxes after all the fun, and proudly displaying the light-sticks that Aunty Emma so kindly gave them... My little witch was impatiently counting down the days until Halloween, so desperate was she to carve the pumpkin and don her outfit. And now of course I am exhausted after all the excitement, yet I still have my Gryffindor homework to do! Must dash...!!!

Gryffindor Assignment No.3

We have great homework assignments in Gryffindor, I love this one... Decipher the following quote from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: "OFXMWPOZCP DLJD APZAWP QTYO TE QLC PLDTPC EZ QZCRTGP ZESPCD QZC MPTYR HCZYR ESLY MPTYR CTRSE." SPCXTZYP RCLYRPC "DUMBLEDORE SAYS PEOPLE FIND IT FAR EASIER TO FORGIVE OTHERS FOR BEING WRONG THAN BEING RIGHT". HERMIONE GRANGER. Bonus 1: Who became scarred and developed a taste for raw meat in Chapter 29 of HBP? Bill Weasley. Bonus 2: Who developed an antidote for a birthday present in Chapter 18 of HBP? Professor Slughorn. Well, homework's done, and having been away at a magical convention for the last couple of days, I need to spend some time re-bonding with my family, starting with a trip out together. Must dash...!!!

Quidditch Round 2

Hurray, Quidditch again, I do hope we find the snitch this time though, we really need to up our points to stand any chance of winning the House Cup. Here are my answers for the pre-match warm-up... 1. What animal does the portrait in the Muggle Prime Minster’s office resemble? b. Frog 2. What drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry? a. Gillywater 3. What is the name of the person who heads the Holyhead Harpies? b. Gwenog Jones 4. How many ‘Exceeds Expectation’ grades does Harry receive in his O.W.L’s? c. 5 5. What is Professor Slughorn’s favorite candy? d. Crystallized Pineapple 6. What tattoo is Harry reported to have on his chest? c. Hippogriff 7. What color robes do the staff at the Weasley’s shop wear? b. Magenta 8. What is the man outside Flourish and Blotts selling? a. Amulets 9. How much is the skull, which Hermione enquires about at Borgin and Burkes, worth? c. 16 Galleons 10. What are Professor Slughorn’s initials? b. H.E.F I hope to be around for the snitch hunting, although this is by no means certain as we are taking our little witch and wizard to see a Disney On Ice show, this year it is Nemo and Friends. So if the snitch is released before I return late afternoon I shall miss all the fun again, although I shall no doubt have a wonderful time at the ice show. So, time to get the little ones to bed so that they are bright and fresh for tomorrow's outing, must dash...!!!

Gryffindor Assignment #2

I think I'm late getting this homework in, hope that the headgirl and prefect let me off! 1. At what are Hogwarts students allowed to swear loudly if smoovenu attenuclea attempts to strangle them? Venomous Tentaculae 2. An animal form protector charm is a stuproan. Patronus 3. Who is the potions master in HBP? Choare Gushroln Horace Slughorn 4. What is Aragog? A troaclanuam Acromantula 5. Who is imperiused and cursed by a necklace in HBP? Itkea Lebl Katie Bell 6. What does Harry destroy in HBP? choxerrous Horcruxes 7. Draught of living death is comprised of ? (list the four components) Asphodel Wormwood Valerian roots Sopophorous bean 8. What potion can reverse the draught of living death? dweliggnew Wiggenweld Bonus: Who is R. A. B.? Regulus Arcturus Black And now I have knitting to do - a handmade item for a clever Ravenclaw boy. Must dash...!!!

Hogsmeade Visit

I had a wonderful trip down memory lane this weekend, having been asked by Mistress Wartbobble to hang around in Hogsmeade making sure that the inevitable high spirits of the students didn't boil over into a rumpus that would cause problems for the school. I of course took the opportunity to enjoy a cup of English breakfast tea at Madam Puddifoot's, served in her best china of course rather than the pottery mugs she uses for the visiting students. Everyone was on their best behaviour whilst I was there... I had to smile to myself with fond memories of the first stirrings of love that Mr Wychwood and I shared there over our loving cups during our own student days. Happily I was not embarassed by any similar exchanges between our students, although there was a first year Hufflepuff boy who must have been slipped a love potion, he was enthralled by every move made by Rowena Bladvak, 2nd year Ravenclaw. There was a group of giggling Slytherin girls in Gladrags, trying out various outfits. It was this very shop in which I purchased my gown for the Yule Ball, at which Mr Wychwood and I shared our first kiss. It was a perfectly delicious gown, in shot satin, which shimmered between green, blue and purple depending on the angle of viewing. Mr Wychwood particularly appreciated the plunging neckline! I popped into Scrivenshafts and picked up my favourite peacock feather quills, a luxury that was beyond me when I was a student, having then to settle for the common Mallard feather quills, which inevitably led to blotches in my essays, much like I now see from our poorer students in their Arithmancy extra assignments work. Zonko's was a popular place this year, with many of the students preparing for Mischief Night. I saw a 2nd year Gyrffindor purchasing a Nose-Biting Teacup, and so must remember to check my evening cuppa before raising it to my lips. In my day it was Flying Saucers that were popular, I shall never forget the look on Professor Umbridge's face when her favourite drink literally leapt out of her hands - of course it was Fred and George Weasley that set that one up! Well, now that I have shared this trip down memory lane with you, I really should help Mr Wychwood get our dear little ones to bed. My little witch loves me to make up bed-time stories for her, especially when they involve trips back in time to lark about with me when I was her age! Must dash...!!!

Gryffindor Quiz No.1

Thank you CentyB for this bit of fun... What yarn shop did Henry Longstaff shop at for yarn? Mrs Macs Who is the HSKS6 SPEW coordinator? Clidonia Acromantula Which Gryff student just returned from London? Lady Felula the Forgetful Which Gryffindor has cats named after the muggle rock band, The Ramones? Dagmara Grindelwald What is your favorite childhood television program (Magic or Muggle)? The Magic Roundabout! What is your favorite adult television program (Magic or Muggle)? Blackadder Which travel destination did you last visit? The Lake District What was your last finished object (FO)? Ravenclaw mini jumper How many project(s) planned for holiday gifts? 4 Hogwarts house mini-socks! How many do you expect to actually finish and give? 4! Who is the mother of Half Blood Prince? Elaine Prince Which Weasley became engaged in Book 6 (Half Blood Prince)? Bill What is the result of a Sectumsempra curse? The target is cut, anything severed from a target's body by this spell cannot be grown back by magic Who used a Bezoar to reverse poisoning? Harry Potter The witching hour is approaching, must dash...!!!

Masham Sheep Fair

I had a simply fantastic weekend, with the highlight being a trip to Masham Sheep Fair with my dear sister Emma Wigworthy. The sheep were in fine fettle, here is a picture of one of the local breeds - a Teeswater... It looks quite content, despite facing this picture of the Teeswater wool stall... Of course, I had to spend a little time admiring the wares! There were lots of sheep on show, with all of them entered in competitions. Here is a picture of the Jacobs class being judged... There were other wonderful sights to see, not least of which were the splendid Shire Horses pulling a dray of Theakstons Old Peculiar! Inspired by the marvellous creations on the local Spinners Guild stall, I was persuaded to purchase some gorgeous blue roving, which I have begun to spin on a drop spindle loaned to me by my beloved sister. It is very naughty of me to have started this, as I am not yet finished with the socks which are to go to Enna Kirts of Slytherin, who defeated me with her Expelliarmus spell which arrived on Saturday... And so, I really should get on with some knitting... must dash!!!

Quidditch Round 1

I love playing Quidditch. I am of course a veteran player, but that doesn't lessen the excitement any. It is just such a rush! 1. At the beginning of the book, Cornelius Fudge is talking to the Muggle Prime Minister. Which member of the Order of the Phoenix has recently been found dead? c. Emmeline Vance 2. What animal does Bellatrix Lestrange kill when she and her sister, Narcissa, are going to see Professor Snape? b. Fox 3. What time does Professor Dumbledore collect Harry from Privet Drive? b. 11 p.m. 4. What did Professor Sluhorn transform into when he was trying to hide from Harry and Professor Dumbledore? a. An armchair 5. What grade did Harry get for Herbology? a. E – Exceeds Expectation 6. Herbert Chorley, the Prime Minister’s Junior Minster, has been entertaining the public by impersonating which animal? b. A duck 7. What is Professor Sprout’s first name? d. Pomona 8. What is Dumbledore’s idea of ‘a few words’? d. nitwit, oddment, blubber and tweak 9. Who is Marcus Belby’s famous uncle? b. Damocles 10. What is Snape’s mother’s name? b. Eileen Prince Picture scavenger hunt: Narcissa Snape Bellatrix Professor Sprout Professor Dumbledore And now I shall have to retire to my bedchamber, as tomorrow I will be at Masham Sheep Festival with my dear sister Emma Wigworthy, must dash...!!!

Hogwarts Picture Day!

Professor Wartbobble has decreed that today is Picture Day at Hogwarts - all staff and students have to share an image of themselves. So here is mine, taken in June this year by my little wizard, a great photo of my little witch and me together, I hope you agree that she is very cute! Both my little dears need a bath, having been up to mischief in the garden, must dash...!!!

Spoiling News

It has been an exciting week for me, learning that this term I am to be spoilt by a simply wonderful Danish witch, known as Kaae. I also have the pleasure of spoiling a poet, Eugene Nigeno, who is in Ravenclaw - I have had such fun reading his magical diary on the Floo Network. Today is my little wizard's 5th birthday, and he is full of anticipation for his party, which we are hosting at a huge local play centre. It will be a fun party, with many of his friends from elementary wizarding school including his elder sister, and his cousins who are of course Wigworthy's - my dear sister Emma's children. This of course means that I have stacks of little last minute preparations to get through, so I must dash...!!!

HSKS6 Questionnaire

I hope you read this Kaae! Potter Name: Lizzie Wychwood Rav ID: Wychwoodlady I am allergic to: Work! Nothing else fortunately. Pets that I have: None, unless you count my animal husband! My favorite yarn: Sock yarn, of course! I'd love to try a merino/silk mix. If you are a Ravenclaw, do you prefer the film colors or the book colors? I'm a Gryffindor! But if I were Ravenclaw I would go for film colours because they look great in Emma's Luna's Moonlight socks! My favorite flavor: Lime, closely followed by strawberry! My favorite holiday: Definitely Christmas. I would like to receive a: Yarn dyeing kit, if Kaae was willing to have a go at it, so am I (hope my first go is more successful!). Sock yarn please though! List your favorite brand of needles or hooks, including size and length: My all time favourite so far are Knitpicks Harmony circulars 2.5mm 32" long for magic loop knitting. I would love these in a longer version to try my hand at 2 socks at a time. Is there a brand that you are dying to try?: No, Knitpicks have me hooked! I've participated in HSKS: Once - HSKS5. Do you have a birthday during this swap?: No, but my little wizard will be 5 on 20th September! And now I have to finish up the package for my Twilight swap partner, the deadline for sending it is tomorrow - must dash...!!!

Mrs Longbottom!

I saw this test at Ophelia Ballycastle's, and thought I would have a go...

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test... Mrs. Longbottom Your perfect HP man is Neville Longbottom.

You like the nice guy. You don't need the best looking guy, or the most talented, or the most popular, or the most powerful. You want a guy who'll be there when you need him, who knows how to stick through the hard times, who isn't afraid to do what needs to be done, and who stands up to even his friends when necessary. You can't go wrong with a guy like this. (fanart by jeremia http://jeremia.deviantart.com/ used with permission) Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy This is surprisingly close to the character of my dear Mr Wychwood, so it seems that I have my perfect soul-mate anyway! And I hear him now, calling me to help get the children ready for bed, must dash...!!!